James David Vance, also known as JD Vance, is an American author, venture capitalist, and the Vice President of the United States as of January 2025.
Vance gained national prominence with his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which spurred his political career, culminating in his election as vice president in the 2024 election alongside President Donald Trump.
How Rich is JD Vance?
As of 2025, JD Vance’s net worth is estimated to be between $2.62 million and $11 million. However, it’s important to note that these figures are approximate since lawmakers are required to report the value of their assets and liabilities in broad ranges, rather than precise amounts.
Additionally, personal residences, certain assets, and federal retirement accounts are often omitted from public disclosures, which can make it difficult to arrive at a completely accurate figure.
Sources of JD Vance’s Wealth
JD Vance’s wealth has been generated from several different sources, including his writing career, venture capital investments, and his political career.
Author Royalties
Vance’s memoir Hillbilly Elegy (2016) was a critical and commercial success, making him a household name in America. It earned him significant royalties, which added substantially to his wealth.
The book was so successful that it was adapted into a Netflix movie in 2020. In terms of earnings, Vance made $347,752 in 2020 and $475,380 in 2021 from royalties. His 2023 financial disclosure also reported about $54,000 in book royalties.
Venture Capital Work at Narya Capital
Apart from his career in politics, JD Vance has been a venture capitalist. He is a co-founder of Narya Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in technology and biotech companies.
Vance’s role at Narya Capital is another source of significant income. In 2022, he reported earning $110,146 annually from his position at the firm, co-founded alongside notable figures like Peter Thiel, Eric Schmidt, and Marc Andreessen.
Politician’s Salary
As Vice President of the United States, JD Vance now receives a salary of $235,100 per year, a significant increase from the $174,000 annual salary he earned as a U.S. Senator.
His brief tenure in the Senate also contributed to his wealth, though to a lesser extent than his other ventures.
Investments and Stock Assets
Vance has made considerable investments in various companies. His 2022 financial disclosures revealed significant stock holdings in companies such as Memoir, Rumble (NASDAQ: RUM), and AppHarvest (NASDAQ: APPHW). Additionally, he reported owning Bitcoin worth between $100,001 and $250,000, a cryptocurrency that is increasingly becoming a part of his investment portfolio.
Assets
Vance’s 2023 financial disclosure sheds light on the components of his assets. Some of the most notable include:
- Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ): A major exchange-traded fund (ETF) investment valued between $1 million and $5 million.
- Narya Capital Fund I, L.P.: A limited partnership interest in the venture capital fund valued between $500,001 and $1 million.
- Single Family Townhome in Washington, DC: Property valued between $500,001 and $1 million.
- SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA): Another major ETF position valued between $500,001 and $1 million.
- Bitcoin (BTC): Vance owns a stake in Bitcoin, which is valued between $100,001 and $250,000.
These investments in stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrency make up a significant portion of Vance’s overall net worth, with the total value fluctuating based on market conditions.
Insider Trading and Political Stance on Stock Ownership
Although JD Vance himself is a venture capitalist and has substantial stock holdings, he has been a vocal critic of insider trading, particularly by members of Congress.
In 2022, he publicly stated that he believes it should be illegal for members of Congress to trade individual stocks.
He has also expressed his desire to put his own assets in a blind trust if such a bill were to pass, aiming to eliminate potential conflicts of interest.
Vance has made specific criticisms of high-profile figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, accusing her of profiting from insider information through stock trades.
